There are few greater annoyances to most motorists than coming back to their parked cars and finding themselves booked by zealous attendants.

It happens a lot in Brighton and Hove, where millions of pounds have been collected since the attendants replaced traffic wardens last year.

Most of the motorists are civil but a growing minority are abusive or even threatening towards the attendants.

Today The Argus reveals attendants are regularly being spat at, intimidated and assaulted. This behaviour is utterly unacceptable and everything possible should be done to catch the culprits.

If a Parking attendant is assaulted or threatened, that is a crime and police should take it as seriously as any other act of violence.

There is no doubt some of the most threatening drivers are persistent offenders, well known to both attendants and the police.

Parking attendants can be officious. They can be over keen. They are often highly annoying. But they are only doing their job.

People can use their powers of persuasion if they think they have been unjustly booked and if that fails, it is possible to appeal.

Both the city council and operators NCP need to offer more protection to wardens, especially in the areas where there has been the most trouble.